Joe Flacco Calls Super Bowl In New Jersey ‘Retarded,’ Then Apologizes

FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 20: Joe Flacco #5 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates after a touchdown ran by Ray Rice #27 in the second quarter against the New England Patriots during the 2013 AFC Championship game at Gillette Stadium on January 20, 2013 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

When asked about the notion of playing the Super Bowl in New Jersey’s Metlife Stadium next season, Flacco said, “I think it’s retarded,” at a press conference in New Orleans. “I probably shouldn’t say that. I think it’s stupid. If you want a Super Bowl, put a retractable dome on your stadium. Then you can get one. Other than I don’t really like the idea. I don’t think people would react very well to it, or be glad to play anybody in that kind of weather.”

The idea of having the Super Bowl outdoors is certainly a debatable topic, but using the word “retarded” as a substitute for “stupid” is not.

Flacco apologized Tuesday for the remark.

“Obviously, it was a bad choice of words,” Flacco said via Delaware Online. “I wish I hadn’t said it. I have a great relationship with Special Olympics back in Baltimore and have had one for many years. I didn’t mean to offend anybody, but I definitely apologize for it.”